Taking the Pacifier Away

No matter what you name the little gift the hospital gives you, it begins right away. How do I get my little one not to become dependant on this little paci, binkie, pluggy?

At first you think only use it during naps, then only until the age of one, and finally definitely will throw it away by the age of two. Does this sound like you?

The truth is every mom goes through this at some point. You are not alone.

I know when I started thinking of throwing away the pacifier; I thought how is my little one going to soothe herself to sleep? Well every time I wanted to throw it away I made another excuse. Then one day I noticed she bit the top of the pacifier. Did I mention we had three? So at first I thought well, if she does it again, and she did. So my decision was easy. I tossed the remaining two in the trash. I did not want her choking on the top of the pacifier.

The first time she had to sleep she asked for her binkie (that is what we called it). The following day she again asked for her binkie, and I explained she is a big girl now. Well after only a few days she now falls asleep on her own and doesn’t even ask for the binkie.

I have heard moms say well I will do it in steps, or I will wait until he/she is older. Only a mom knows their child. Each child is different and each circumstance is different. As a mom you need to do what is best for your child. In my situation, cold turkey worked best.

Remember children are amazing and will surprise you.